Stastny: 'We welcome the competition'

Grand Slam Track not a threat to Diamond League, says CEO

Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis heads up a stellar cast of athletes kicking off the 16th Diamond League season in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Saturday, amid a changing landscape that has seen Michael Johnson launch his Grand Slam Track series.

Petr Stastny, CEO of the Diamond League, insisted that he welcomed competition, but added he thought the 15-meet circuit he oversees was the "backbone" of global athletics, with a record $9.2 million in prize money on offer.

"You will get the most comprehensive coverage of the highest possible level of competition in our sport, in track and field. Great arenas, great big crowds,"Stastny said.